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The year 2024 holds so much promise for personal growth and self-discovery. As we continue to normalize the power of mental and emotional wellness, many individuals are learning how to perceive challenges and difficulties to overcome trauma and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and strength.
That's what #DoingTheWork is all about; learning more about yourself, what you need to be well, and intentionally making decisions to support that.
Although we have faced many global challenges in recent times, it's important to remain resilient and prepared to embrace the opportunities that await us. In other words....keep marching although "life be life-in." Whether you'll be starting a new chapter in your education or career, or embarking on a new adventure, the new year welcomes a great opportunity for you to continue discovering more about yourself, what you want, and how you will make it happen.
Let's take every moment that life provides us with an opportunity to
heal and grow beyond what we ever thought was possible.
If you have committed to doing the #InnerWork of growing and developing into a better you, 2024 is just another opportune year to take advantage of who you've become and identify ways to continue the journey.
This is usually why so many people, across the world, decide to create New Year Resolutions; a few key goals they intentionally set to accomplish over the next 365 days. Now we all know, and have been there....we may set a goal, resolve to quit bad habits, or implement a new way of living, but 28 days go by....60....and slowly but surely, we stop going after it. Why is that? Are the goals well thought out? Decided with enough conviction? I'm sure they are....so why do so many people fail to achieve their New Year resolutions?
Make it happen by staying committed, focused, and intentional.
One proven method is to create S.M.A.R.T goals, which are specific and personal commitments you make, to yourself, to achieve within a specific timeframe. They help you stay on track to make progress daily and efficiently. When setting your resolutions for the year, aim to make each goal specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. I'm going to show you how but first let's understand each S.M.A.R.T. component of effective goal setting:
Specific: It's important to be crystal clear about what you want to achieve. The more specific, the better!
Measurable: How will you know when you've achieved your goal? Think about what success looks like and how you can track your progress. Some goals take more than a year to accomplish but that doesn't mean you still can't evaluate your progress. Think about setting a goal that allows you to quantify your growth.
Achievable: You got this! But it's important to make sure your goal is doable with your current resources and abilities. As you make progress, your resources will grow...but what can you do to move towards your goal with what you have right now?
Relevant: Does your goal align with your overall purpose in life? If you're not sure what that is yet, no worries! You can set a SMART goal to figure it out.
Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline to stay on track. Life has a funny way of getting in the way, so make sure you're working towards your goal promptly and staying committed when unforeseen needs present themselves.
Here are a few #InnerG SMART Goal Examples:
To fix my bed every morning, at least 60% of the time, every week for an entire year.
To reflect on my growth in 2023 and set new SMART goals that I can intentionally commit to and progress towards in 2024.
To take control of my future, I will identify five colleges or employers that align with my post-graduation plans and submit all required information by their respective deadlines.
To make intentional decisions every day that will help me achieve the goals I set for myself; staying committed when detours, setbacks, and delays unfold throughout the year.
When you are serious about what you want and why,
SMART Goals provide intentional plans that you can commit to.
Setting SMART goals can be incredibly helpful in keeping you focused on what you truly want to achieve. These goals provide a clear structure that enables you to identify the steps you need to take to accomplish them. SMART goals require a serious commitment to your plan and leave no room for excuses. So when you reach day 24 and feel like quitting, look to them to remember why you started so you may live a life of purpose, using the gifts and talents that God has placed on the inside of you.
Get ready to embrace the new year with open arms! 2024 is your year to fill your life with joy, but only if you're willing to commit to #TheWorkThatMattersMost. Take some time to think through what you want, why you want it, and what you can do, right now, to make it happen.
Keep up the good work and get ready for all the new beginnings that await you! #ForYourInnerG
Need A New Journal to Start Your 2024 Journey?
Continue Your Journey to Wellness
Don’t forget to check out our Mindfulness Journals, You Can Do This!, and Soul Work Affirmation Cards, crafted to help you thrive in your everyday life. These resources are here to empower your journey.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Amirah B. Abdullah, DrPH
Dr. A is a Mindfulness Coach with a passion for helping individuals build the muscle that influences everything they do. For Your Inner G is committed to helping you improve your mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being to support and encourage adulting success!
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